[FedCom] Who Tracks Down Military/Federal Frequencies Interference?

[Ken]

Interestingly here's a question for the group.. Who actually tracks down the 
source to inteference to US government LMR nets?

I would assume that the Federal Communications Commission would be one of 
those involved "eventually" 
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/unauthorizedradio.html  BUT how 
"timely" would the response be??

US Secret Service -- Interestingly, locally we had a case involving 
deliberate interference to a local small town PD's radio system, and it was 
the USSS that actually tracked down and ID'd the transmitter being used.

USCG  -- Definitely involved in tracking down any false radio transmissions 
on 156.80 Channel 16

Generally also, doesn't the respective DF teams have some federal law 
enforcement members with them (e.g. USMS, FBI, USSS)?

I'd assume that initially respective federal agencies'/military departments 
(local/regional) communications professionals would be involved BUT probably 
don't have the sophisticated tracking equipment available locally.

Perhaps the various MARS programs actually have volunteers with appropriate 
DF equipment that can be called in relatively quickly to assist in tracking 
down interference to local military LMR nets?   Visiting my local tarot 
reader ---  Another possibility is that Civil Air Patrol might be getting 
some modified DF equipment that can be placed in their aircraft for 
virtually tracking ANY frequency and this will be another mission under DHS 
mission "funding" ;) :) .

Surely, with the enhanced federal laws now on the books regarding radio 
interference/unauthorized use on any public safety/government frequency, 
which now treats such inteference as acts of terrorism with severe 
penalities, it would be surprising if more of these type of incidents occur. 
Although, I guess there might be a differentiation between unauthorized use 
of a military/federal frequency (that doesn't have anyone using it in the 
local area) versus individuals who deliberately interferes (jams) with 
government radio communications BUT again, it's doubtful that the legal 
penalities would be very different....

So keep your radio scanners searching..  Even if you don't monitor 
unauthorized/illegal use, you still might discover some new federal/military 
frequencies in use in your local area.

IF all else remember the point is to HAVE FUN!!!!!

Ken